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Abbley - I don't want someone just using Cirencester Town as a stepping stone in management

Report from Danny Hall - Wilts and Glos Standard

CIRENCESTER TOWN chairman Steve Abbley expects to appoint his new manager by the start of next week.

"I have a short list of three, in order of preference, but I will be out of the country until Sunday and I won't announce my decision until I get back," said Abbley.

Having parted company with manager Brian Hughes on September 10, after the club's home league defeat to fellow Southern Premier strugglers Kings Langley, Abbley had hoped to have unearthed a replacement quickly.

Certainly in time for last Saturday's FA Cup tie with Banbury Utd, which Cirencester lost 6-1 after centre back Alfie Kilgour was sent off in the 10th minute.

But Abbley now admits: "There is no rush. I have paused a bit and taken stock. I probably received seven or eight CVs and have spoken to another four or five people, many with good backgrounds and qualifications. I was surprised at the level of interest from the people who were pushing themselves forward, and surprised how well we are perceived from outside. But then we do have excellent facilities, including our indoor arena, which are a match for any team in this league and plenty in the league above. We also live within our means.

"We've had a preponderance of applicants who would be with us for 18 months at best because they have ambitions to manage at a higher level.

"Cirencester Town being used as a stepping stone in management is not what I want to hear. We need someone who is going to be here for a few seasons. It is the same with referees in this league – you come across a good one and very soon they are moving up. I still have three candidates in mind, including two of my original favoured choices, and I will choose by the weekend."

Caretaker manager Jody Bevan is expected to continue in charge at least for the weekend visit to Chesham in the Southern Premier League.